Legislature: Softer penalty rejected for marijuana

Feb. 13, 2013

Don Kopp

Marty Jackley

A Senate panel Tuesday rejected a bid to lower the maximum penalty for possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana from a year in jail to 30 days.

Supporters and opponents of Senate Bill 221 conceded the overwhelming majority of those charged serve far less than a year in jail, with most receiving only fines.

Paul Bachand of the State’s Attorney’s Association said the proposal was part of a nationwide push to weaken marijuana laws in hopes of legalizing it.

Attorney General Marty Jackley and lobbyists for county prosecutors, sheriffs and police chiefs said the bill would send the wrong message about a drug they consider a gateway to more harmful substances.

— John Hult, Argus Leader

Private school tax credit defeated

A proposal to give property tax credits to parents of children enrolled in private schools and home-schools was tabled before its first hearing.

Rep. Don Kopp, R-Rapid City, pulled his own legislation Tuesday, saying he might bring a different version of it next year.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard opposed the proposal, partly because it would have given larger rebates to more affluent families. Those who do not own property would have received no benefit.

The bill also would have raised property taxes on other property owners to make up for the lost revenue.

— Josh Verges,

Argus Leader

Animal cruelty law won't change

A measure that sought to make aggravated cruelty to dogs, cats and horses a felony was rejected by a South Dakota legislative panel Tuesday.

After state officials and ag representatives said it would have conflicted with existing laws that effectively combat animal abuse.

Animal rights groups have said noted that South Dakota and North Dakota are the only states without felony penalties for animal mistreatment. The North Dakota Senate has approved such a bill, which now awaits action by the House.

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted 7-1 to kill the proposal, which supporters said would help catch and treat mentally disturbed people for whom mistreating animals often is a gateway to harming people.